USS Midway Museum
- Admission
- $32 adults (ages 13+), $22 youth (ages 6-12), free for children under 5 and active-duty military (with ID). Discounts available online.
- Hours
- Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- Duration
- 3 to 4 hours
- Parking
- Paid parking is available on Navy Pier adjacent to the museum. Additional metered street parking and public parking lots are located nearby along the Embarcadero.
- Access
- Approximately 60% of the museum is wheelchair accessible, including the hangar deck and flight deck (accessible via elevator). Elevators are available, but narrow passageways and historic ladders limit access to some lower decks.
Step aboard one of America's longest-serving aircraft carriers, now docked in downtown San Diego. This massive floating city features over 30 restored aircraft, flight simulators, and real-life stories from veterans. Surprisingly, it was the largest ship in the world until 1955.
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The USS Midway Museum offers a fascinating look into American naval history aboard a historic aircraft carrier that served for nearly 50 years. Visitors can explore the flight deck, sleeping quarters, galley, and engine rooms, experiencing what life was like for the thousands of sailors who lived aboard.
An extensive collection of restored fighter jets and helicopters lines the flight deck, set against the backdrop of the San Diego skyline. Veteran docents, many of whom served on the Midway, are stationed throughout the ship to share personal anecdotes and bring the history to life.
The self-guided audio tour, narrated by Midway sailors, guides you through the labyrinth of passageways. Don't miss the chance to try out the flight simulators or climb into the cockpits of legendary aircraft.
Ratings
museum◆ Visitor Tips
- ◆ Buy tickets online in advance to skip the ticket booth lines.
- ◆ Take advantage of the audio guide, which is included in the admission price.
- ◆ Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes as there are many steep ladders and narrow passageways.
- ◆ Plan for at least 3-4 hours to see everything without rushing.
Heads Up
- ◆ The ship has many narrow, steep stairs (ladders) that can be difficult for those with mobility issues.
- ◆ Watch your head in the low-clearance passageways below deck.
Common questions
How much of the USS Midway is wheelchair accessible?
Approximately 60 percent of the museum's exhibits are wheelchair accessible, including the hangar deck and the flight deck, which can be reached via elevator. The lower decks and the island tour are not accessible, as they require climbing steep, ladder-like stairs.
How long does it take to walk through the USS Midway Museum?
Most visitors spend between 3 and 4 hours exploring the ship, though military history enthusiasts can easily spend a full day. The self-guided audio tour included with admission takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete at a steady pace.
Is there parking available at the USS Midway?
There is no dedicated museum-owned parking lot, but a city-operated paid parking lot is located directly on the Navy Pier adjacent to the ship. Additional paid parking garages and metered street spots are available within walking distance throughout the Embarcadero area.
Can you go inside the cockpits of the planes on the USS Midway?
Visitors cannot enter the cockpits of the historic aircraft displayed on the flight deck, but there are several designated trainer cockpits and flight simulators on the hangar deck that you can climb inside. Volunteer docents are often nearby to assist and share details about these specific trainer planes.
Do you have to climb stairs to get onto the USS Midway?
No, the main entrance is accessed via a flat gangway leading directly onto the hangar deck. Once on board, elevators are available to move between the hangar deck and the flight deck, though exploring the lower decks and the island still requires climbing steep stairs.